ARTWORK by aged care residents in North Adelaide is on show this month as part of the 20th South Australian Living Artists Festival.
Nearly 40 pieces created by residents at Helping Hand North Adelaide are on show at the Buxton Street nursing home throughout August as part of the SALA Festival.
Featuring a mix of first-time artists with established makers, the Young at Art exhibition is the culmination of eight months' work by members of the nursing home's art group.
The group meets every Wednesday with contemporary artist and volunteer Cassie Thring.
Resident Len Harvey, who has painted landscapes for thirty years, attempted his first portrait at Art Group. His work 'Jim' won the Outsider Art Award at the SALA Awards.
"That really took the wind out of my sails," said Len. "Doing 'Jim' has got me fired up to paint again."
He has also revisited an unfinished landscape since joining the art group.
"I owe a lot to Cassie for her encouragement," he said.
A wall nearby the facility's café is lined with portraits by resident Verna Risely for the exhibition. Speaking at the opening of the exhibition she couldn't keep the grin off her face.
"I can't stop smiling today. When I'm drawing I'm singing in my head and I feel like my pencil is dancing," she said.
Seven art group artists have created 39 pieces for the Young At Art exhibition which is open to the public daily throughout August.
"We often see late flowering of talent when people have the time and the inclination to reflect," said Helping Hand chief executive Ian Hardy.
- Helping Hand Young At Art SALA Exhibition is open to the public Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm until the end of August, 49 Buxton Street, North Adelaide. Phone 1300 653 600